Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 13 - Facing the Future

The boys of "Dreams of Five Souls" were ready to head back to Korea after a whirlwind series of concerts in New York. The success of their performances had left them exhilarated but exhausted. As they packed their things and prepared to leave the hotel, a sense of apprehension lingered in the air. They knew that once they landed in Korea, they would have to face the aftermath of the video leak and the intense media scrutiny that awaited them.

They arrived at the airport, their spirits bolstered by the knowledge that they had given their all in their performances. However, their optimism was quickly dampened as they saw the massive crowd waiting for them. Fans and reporters filled the airport, jostling for a glimpse of the boys and eager to catch any new tidbits about the recent revelations.

Dae-Hyun, Moon, Echo, Tae-Sun, and Min-Ho exchanged weary looks as they exited their van. Their bodyguards formed a tight circle around them, trying to push through the throng of people. Shouts and screams filled the air, making it nearly impossible to think.

"Void! Echo! Moon! Tae! Light!" fans screamed, reaching out to touch them.

"Min-Ho, is it true? Are you and Tae-Sun dating?" a reporter shouted, thrusting a microphone forward.

The questions and exclamations blended into an overwhelming cacophony. Min-Ho and Tae-Sun kept their heads down, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. Moon, however, seemed particularly on edge, his eyes darting around nervously.

Suddenly, Moon froze, his face draining of color. "It's him," he whispered, barely audible over the noise.

Tae-Sun glanced at Moon, following his line of sight to see the man who had grabbed him at the New York airport. The man's predatory gaze was locked on Moon, a smirk playing on his lips as he attempted to blend into the crowd.

Before the boys could react, their guards sprang into action. Two of them broke away from the circle, pushing through the sea of people to reach the man. A scuffle ensued, and within moments, the guards had subdued him, dragging him away from the crowd.

"Keep moving!" one of the remaining guards shouted, urging the boys forward.

They finally made it through the airport and onto their plane. As they settled into their seats, a collective sigh of relief washed over them. The tension of the last few minutes had left them shaken, but they were grateful that the man had been caught.

Moon sat silently, staring out the window. The others watched him with concern, knowing how deeply the incident had affected him. Min-Ho reached out, placing a comforting hand on Moon's shoulder.

"We're here for you," Min-Ho said softly. "You're safe now."

Moon nodded, though his expression remained troubled. "I know. It's just... it was so terrifying."

Tae-Sun leaned over, joining the conversation. "We'll get through this together, Moon. We always do."

The flight back to Korea was uneventful, allowing the boys some much-needed rest. When they landed, they were immediately escorted through a private exit to avoid the mass of fans and reporters waiting in the main terminal. Their manager met them with a grim expression.

"The man who grabbed Moon has been detained," the manager informed them. "The authorities are handling it. But we need to head straight to the company. The CEO wants to see us."

The ride back to their apartment was filled with a heavy silence. The boys knew that the meeting with their CEO could have serious implications for their careers, especially for Min-Ho and Tae-Sun. The video leak had thrown a spotlight on their relationship, and they were unsure how their company would react.

As they arrived at their apartment, they were greeted by a swarm of reporters outside, cameras flashing and microphones ready. Their guards formed a protective barrier, allowing the boys to slip inside without incident. Once they were inside, they had only a few moments to collect themselves before they were summoned to the CEO's office.

The walk to the office felt like an eternity. Min-Ho and Tae-Sun exchanged nervous glances, their hands brushing against each other for reassurance. The others walked in silence, their faces set in determined expressions.

When they entered the office, the CEO was seated behind his large mahogany desk, his expression unreadable. He gestured for them to sit, and they complied, their hearts pounding in their chests.

"I've seen the footage and the news coverage," the CEO began, his tone measured. "This is a serious matter."

Min-Ho and Tae-Sun tensed, bracing themselves for the worst. The CEO's gaze rested on them for a moment before he continued.

"The situation with Moon has been handled by the authorities, and we will provide him with any support he needs. As for the video of you two, we need to address this carefully."

He paused, leaning back in his chair. "Our company has always valued the privacy of our artists, but we also have to consider the public's reaction and the impact on the group's image. We need to release a statement to clarify the situation."

Tae-Sun nodded, his voice steady despite his nerves. "We understand. We'll do whatever it takes to make this right."

The CEO nodded. "Good. We'll work with the PR team to draft a statement. In the meantime, focus on your music and your upcoming performances. We'll get through this."

The boys left the office, feeling a mixture of relief and uncertainty. The immediate crisis had been addressed, but they knew there were still challenges ahead. As they returned to their apartment, Min-Ho and Tae-Sun found a moment alone.

"We'll be okay," Min-Ho said, taking Tae-Sun's hand. "As long as we're together, we can handle anything."

Tae-Sun smiled, squeezing Min-Ho's hand. "Together, always."

The journey ahead would not be easy, but with their bond and the support of their friends, they were ready to face whatever came their way. As they settled into their apartment, they felt a renewed sense of determination. No matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them head-on, united in their love and their shared dream.

Please write your opinions about the chapter so I know what I can do better, for next time. A new chapter will be published every Friday. Love you guys.